The Buffalo Sabres' pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck is a rumor that has continued to persist for most of the summer. It is one that doesn't seem to go away, and one NHL insider even believes the Sabres have re-engaged in trade discussions with Winnipeg.
"Now one thing to watch is it sounds like Buffalo has re-engaged to some degree with Winnipeg," Chris Johnston said on 1st Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo. "Those two teams were linked pretty heavily on a deal that might have happened on draft day. It was tied to some of the picks that were in the first round. Obviously, they've had to reimagine what that might look like but I think that's something to watch."
It is worth noting that Johnston said a little bit later in the interview that the deal around the NHL Draft was "tied to the fourth pick and I think the eighth pick and the 20th pick at the time." It isn't clear that the Sabres were willing to include both their first-round picks, fourth and 20th, in the same trade. Instead, it might have been them presenting options, as in the Jets could get a first-round pick, and it could be either the 20th overall pick alone or the fourth overall pick, but if they wanted the fourth, they were going to need to send Buffalo their eighth overall pick.
When should the Buffalo Sabres move on from Connor Hellebuyck?
There is no question that Connor Hellebuyck is going to be a talking point until he is traded by the Winnipeg Jets or publicly states that he is no longer looking for a trade. It seems the second option is unlikely since he just came out recently acknowledging his trade request.
This seemingly puts the Jets in a tough spot because Hellebuyck does have a no-movement clause, and any trade agreed to will need to be approved by Hellebuyck. The Sabres right now seem to be the only team that he has been willing to do that for.
However, at some point this becomes a distraction for the Sabres, and it puts their goalies, notably Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, in limbo. They are going to be wondering whether or not they are being traded instead of preparing for the upcoming season.
According to reports, Jarmo Kekalainen has made some decent trade offers, but the Jets were unwilling to move their star goalie. Now that the draft has passed, the value of what the Sabres can offer has gone down.
It is important for Jarmo Kekalainen to continue to be proactive in finding ways to improve the team and help their chances of getting back to the playoffs. However, that also means understanding when it is time to walk away. With the season right around the corner, that time might finally have come for the Sabres, and they need to prepare going into the season with the goalies they have.
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